I've had three of the four (one hasn't grown in yet) removed. Two of those three were impacted. I opted for novocaine and laughing gas. It was OK. Most of the lingering pain and soreness came from them having to hinge my jaw open so wide that it looked like I was hit in the face by a 2x4. Of course, the first time, he didn't remove all of the tooth, so the wound wouldn't close. Six days later, I went back, he flushed it out, and I spit out a huge chunk of tooth. One hour later, the wound closed. But you may get Vicodin out of it, so it's not all bad. Good luck.